King James Version

What Does Numbers 2:22 Mean?

Numbers 2:22 in the King James Version says “Then the tribe of Benjamin: and the captain of the sons of Benjamin shall be Abidan the son of Gideoni.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then the tribe of Benjamin: and the captain of the sons of Benjamin shall be Abidan the son of Gideoni.”

Numbers 2:22 · KJV

Context

20

And by him shall be the tribe of Manasseh: and the captain of the children of Manasseh shall be Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

21

And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were thirty and two thousand and two hundred.

22

Then the tribe of Benjamin: and the captain of the sons of Benjamin shall be Abidan the son of Gideoni.

23

And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were thirty and five thousand and four hundred.

24

All that were numbered of the camp of Ephraim were an hundred thousand and eight thousand and an hundred, throughout their armies. And they shall go forward in the third rank.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Benjamin's camp placement with Joseph's sons (Ephraim and Manasseh) joined Rachel's two sons in one division, honoring her memory and maintaining family solidarity. Benjamin's loyalty to Judah in later generations (1 Kings 12:21) showed how early associations and family ties influenced later alliances. The principle extends broadly: early relationships and associations shape later loyalties and decisions.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Benjamin's placement in the Ephraim division created bonds that would later manifest in complex ways—sometimes allied with northern Ephraim, sometimes loyal to southern Judah, reflecting the tribe's transitional position geographically and politically.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Benjamin's family alliance with Ephraim yet later loyalty to Judah illustrate the complexity of relationships and loyalties in God's people?
  2. What does this teach us about the formative influence of early associations on later commitments?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וּמַטֵּ֖ה1 of 8

“Then the tribe”

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

בִנְיָמִ֔ן2 of 8

“of Benjamin”

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וְנָשִׂיא֙3 of 8

“and the captain”

H5387

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

בֶּן4 of 8

“of the sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בִנְיָמִ֔ן5 of 8

“of Benjamin”

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

אֲבִידָ֖ן6 of 8

“shall be Abidan”

H27

abidan, an israelite

בֶּן7 of 8

“of the sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

גִּדְעֹנִֽי׃8 of 8

“of Gideoni”

H1441

gidoni, an israelite

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 2:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 2:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 1:11Psalms 68:27Numbers 10:24Numbers 7:65Numbers 7:60

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